cabbage soup

Cabbage Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz / 400g) diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 zucchini, diced, or 1 bell pepper, chopped
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
2. Add the Cabbage and Spices:
   • Stir in the chopped cabbage, and cook for another 5 minutes until the cabbage begins to soften.
   • Add the thyme, basil, oregano, and bay leaf, and stir to combine.
3. Add the Broth and Tomatoes:
   • Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (with their juice). Stir everything together.
   • Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes until the cabbage and other vegetables are tender.
4. Season and Serve:
   • Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
   • If you like, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Optional Add-Ins:

• For Protein: Add cooked ground beef, turkey, or shredded chicken to make the soup more hearty.
• Beans: Cannellini or kidney beans can be added for extra protein and fiber.
• Spicy Version: Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for some heat.

Cooking Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, about 6 servings):

• Calories: ~100 kcal
• Protein: ~2g
• Fat: ~3g
• Carbohydrates: ~15g
• Fiber: ~5g

This Cabbage Soup is light, flavorful, and perfect as a main course or a starter. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a bowl full of veggies, and you can customize it to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs!